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Long-range aircraft were the basis of origin. Long-range aircraft

Long-Range Aviation Command- the unification of the Russian Air Force under the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces. It is a strategic aviation - a component of Russia's strategic nuclear forces.

Tu-160, 2011.

Tu-22M3, 2011.

History

The date of creation of Long-Range Aviation is considered to be December 10 (23), 1914, when Emperor Nicholas II approved the decision to create a squadron of air ships "Ilya Muromets". The squadron was headed by Mikhail Shidlovsky (a former naval officer, chairman of the board of shareholders of the Russian-Baltic Carriage Works, which built the Ilya Muromets aircrafts).

By April 1917, the squadron consisted of four combat detachments, about 20 bombers. In September 1917, German troops approached Vinnitsa, where a squadron of air ships was stationed at that time, so the planes were burned so that they would not get to the enemy.

Council Decree People's Commissars of March 22, 1918, it was ordered to form the Northern group of air ships "Ilya Muromets", consisting of three combat units. Thus began the revival of Long-Range Aviation in the RSFSR.

In 1933, for the first time in the world, heavy bomber aviation corps were formed, which received the TB-3 bomber. In January 1936, the first aviation reserve army of the Supreme Command was formed (special forces - GA). In the same year, DB-3 twin-engine long-range bombers (after modernization - DB-ZF (Il-4)) began to enter the troops. In 1936-1938, three special air armies were created, which were directly subordinate to the People's Commissar of Defense of the USSR.

In 1940, the Long-Range Bomber Aviation of the Main Command of the Red Army (DBA GK) was created, and the directorates of the special forces were disbanded. By mid-1941, the DBA GK included five air corps, three separate air divisions and one separate air regiment: with a total of approximately 1,500 aircraft (13.5% of the total aircraft fleet of the Red Army Air Force) and almost 1,000 combat-ready crews. By the GKO decree of March 5, 1942, Long-Range Bomber Aviation was transformed into Long-Range Aviation (ADA) with direct subordination to the Headquarters of the Supreme High Command. General Alexander Golovanov was appointed commander of the ADD.

In 1960, in connection with the creation of the Strategic Missile Forces, two of the three long-range aviation directorates were transferred to the Strategic Missile Forces.

In 1961, the organization of Long-Range Aviation was changed, the basis of which was made up of three separate heavy bomber corps:

  • 2nd Separate Heavy Bomber Aviation Corps (Vinnitsa);
  • 6th separate heavy bomber aviation Red Banner corps (Smolensk);
  • 8th Heavy Bomber Aviation Corps (Blagoveshchensk).

To control the regiments and divisions of the former 43rd Air Army, the 2nd separate heavy bomber air corps of Long-Range Aviation was formed with a deployment in Vinnitsa.

In 1961, the 2nd Otbak included:

  • 13th Guards tbad (Poltava) as part of the 184th (Priluki), 185th and 225th tbap on Tu-16 aircraft (both at the Poltava airfield);
  • 15th Guards. tbad (Zhitomir) as part of the 250th tbap (Stryi), 251st tbap (Belaya Tserkov) on Tu-16 aircraft and 341st tbap (Ozernoye) on Tu-22 aircraft;
  • 106th tbad (Uzin) as part of the 182nd tbap (Mozdok), 409th and 1006th tbap (both at the Uzin airfield) on Tu-95K and Tu-95M aircraft;
  • 199th Guards. odrap (Nizhyn) on Tu-16 aircraft.

To control the regiments and divisions of the former 50th Air Army in 1960, the 6th separate heavy bomber air corps of the Long-Range Aviation was formed with a deployment in Smolensk.

In 1961 it included:

In 1980, on the basis of these corps, three air armies of the Supreme High Command were formed:

  • (Smolensk);
  • 30th Air Force of the Supreme High Command of Strategic Purpose (Irkutsk);
  • 24th Air Force of the Supreme High Command of Operations (Vinnitsa).

The Long-Range Aviation Command was reorganized into the 37th Air Force of the Supreme High Command for strategic purposes with the headquarters based in Moscow.

  • 30th Air Force of the Supreme High Command of Strategic Purpose (Irkutsk);
  • 37th Air Force of the Supreme High Command of Strategic Purpose (Moscow);
  • 46th Air Red Banner Army of the Supreme High Command for Strategic Assignment (Smolensk);
  • 43rd Center for Combat Use and Retraining of Flight Personnel of Long-Range Aviation (Ryazan).

On April 1, 1998, the Long-Range Aviation Command was transformed into the 37th Air Force of the Supreme High Command (strategic). V

Participation in operations

Tu-160, accompanied by Su-30, performs a combat mission in Syria

Commanders

  • Golovanov Alexander Evgenievich, Air Chief Marshal (1946-1948)
  • Rudenko Sergei Ignatievich, Colonel General of Aviation (1950-1953)
  • Novikov Alexander Alexandrovich, Air Chief Marshal (1953-1955)
  • Sudets Vladimir Alexandrovich, Air Marshal (1955-1962)
  • Reshetnikov Vasily Vasilievich (1969-1980)
  • Gorbunov Ivan Vladimirovich, Colonel-General of Aviation (1980-1985)
  • Deinekin Pyotr Stepanovich, Lieutenant General (1985-1990)
  • Kalugin Igor Mikhailovich, Colonel General (1990-1997)
  • Oparin Mikhail Mikhailovich, Lieutenant General (1998-2002)
  • Khvorov Igor Ivanovich, Lieutenant General (2002-2007)
  • Androsov Pavel Vasilievich, Major General (2007-2009)
  • Zhikharev Anatoly Dmitrievich, Lieutenant General (2009-2016)
  • Kobylash Sergei Ivanovich, Lieutenant General (September 16, 2016 - present)

Armament

The long-range aviation is armed with strategic missile-carrying bombers Tu-95 MS and Tu-160, as well as long-range bombers Tu-22M3:

  • 60 Tu-95MS aircraft
  • 17 Tu-160 aircraft
  • about 61 Tu-22M3 aircraft [ ]

Composition

  • Headquarters, military unit 44402 (Moscow)
  • 63rd Mitavsky separate communication center for automated control facilities, military unit 83069 (Smolensk region, Smolensk, Smolensk-Severny airfield).
  • 22nd Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Donbass Red Banner Division (Saratov Region, Engels):

The modern Air Force of the Russian Federation is traditionally the most mobile and maneuverable branch of the Armed Forces. The equipment and other means in service with the Air Force are primarily intended to repel aggression in the aerospace sphere and to protect the administrative and industrial-economic centers of the country, groupings of troops and important objects from enemy strikes; to support the actions of the Ground Forces and the Navy; delivering strikes against enemy groupings in the sky, on land and at sea, as well as on its administrative-political and military-economic centers.

The existing Air Force, in terms of its organizational and staff structure, dates back to 2008, when the country began to form a new look for the Russian Armed Forces. Then the Air Force and Air Defense Commands were formed, subordinate to the newly created operational-strategic commands: Western, Southern, Central and Eastern. The Air Force High Command was assigned the tasks of planning and organizing combat training, the long-term development of the Air Force, as well as training the commanding staff of command and control bodies. In 2009-2010, the transition to a two-tier air force control system was carried out, as a result of which the number of formations was reduced from 8 to 6, and the air defense formations were reorganized into 11 aerospace defense brigades. The air regiments were brought together into air bases with a total number of about 70, including 25 tactical (front) aviation bases, of which 14 are purely fighter ones.

In 2014, the reform of the Air Force structure continued: air defense forces and assets were concentrated in air defense divisions, and the formation of aviation divisions and regiments began in aviation. An air force and air defense army is being created as part of the joint strategic command "North".

The most fundamental transformation is expected in 2015: the creation of a new type - the Aerospace Forces based on the integration of the forces and means of the Air Force (aviation and air defense) and the Aerospace Defense Forces (space forces, air defense and missile defense).

Simultaneously with the reorganization, an active renewal of the aircraft fleet is taking place. Airplanes and helicopters of previous generations were replaced by their new modifications, as well as promising machines with broader combat capabilities and flight performance characteristics. The current development work was continued and new development work began on promising aviation complexes. The active development of unmanned aircraft began.

The modern air fleet of the Russian Air Force is second only to the US Air Force in size. True, its exact quantitative composition has not been officially published, but on the basis of open sources, quite adequate calculations can be made. As for the renewal of the aircraft fleet, according to the representative of the press service and information of the Russian Ministry of Defense for the Air Force I. Klimov, the Russian Air Force will receive more than 150 new aircraft and helicopters in 2015 alone in accordance with the state defense order. These include the latest aircraft Su-30 SM, Su-30 M2, MiG-29 SMT, Su-34, Su-35 S, Yak-130, Il-76 MD-90 A, as well as Ka-52, Mi ‑28 N, Mi ‑ 8 AMTSh / MTV ‑ 5–1, Mi ‑ 8 MTPR, Mi ‑ 35 M, Mi ‑ 26, Ka ‑ 226 and Ansat-U. It is also known from the words of the former commander-in-chief of the Russian Air Force, Colonel-General A. Zelin, that in November 2010 the total number of the Air Force personnel was about 170 thousand people (including 40 thousand officers).

All aviation of the Russian Air Force, as a branch of the military, is subdivided into:

  • Long-range (strategic) aviation,
  • Operational-tactical (front-line) aviation,
  • Military transport aviation,
  • Army aviation.

In addition, the Air Force includes such types of troops as anti-aircraft missile troops, radio-technical troops, special forces, as well as units and institutions of the rear (all of them will not be considered in this material).

In turn, aviation by birth is divided into:

  • bomber aviation,
  • ground attack aircraft,
  • fighter aircraft,
  • reconnaissance aircraft,
  • transport aviation,
  • special aviation.

All types are discussed below. aircraft as part of the Air Force of the Russian Federation, as well as promising vehicles. The first part of the article covers long-range (strategic) and operational-tactical (front-line) aviation, the second part - military transport, reconnaissance, special and army aviation.

Long-range (strategic) aviation

Long-range aviation is a means of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Russia and is designed to solve strategic, operational-strategic and operational tasks in theaters of military operations (strategic directions). Long-range aviation is also part of the triad of strategic nuclear forces.

The main tasks performed in peacetime are containment (including nuclear) of potential adversaries; in the event of the outbreak of war - the maximum reduction in the military-economic potential of the enemy by destroying his important military facilities and disrupting state and military control.

The main promising areas for the development of long-range aviation are maintaining and building up operational capabilities to fulfill the assigned tasks as part of the strategic deterrent and general-purpose forces through modernization of aircraft with an extension of their service life, the purchase of new aircraft (Tu-160 M), as well as the creation of a promising long-range aviation complex PAK-DA.

The main armament of long-range aircraft are guided missiles, both nuclear and conventional:

  • X-55 SM long-range strategic cruise missiles;
  • X-15 C aeroballistic hypersonic missiles;
  • X-22 operational-tactical cruise missiles.

As well as free-fall bombs of various calibers, including nuclear weapons, one-time cluster bombs, sea mines.

In the future, it is planned to introduce into the armament of long-range aviation aircraft the new-generation X-555 and X-101 high-precision cruise missiles with a significantly increased range and accuracy.

The basis of the modern aircraft fleet of long-range aviation of the Russian Air Force is made up of missile-carrying bombers:

  • strategic missile carriers Tu-160–16 units. By 2020, it is possible to supply about 50 modernized Tu-160 M2 vehicles.
  • strategic missile carriers Tu-95 MS - 38 units, and about 60 more in storage. Since 2013, these aircraft have been modernized to the level of Tu-95 MSM in order to extend their service life.
  • long-range missile-carrying bombers Tu-22 M3 - about 40 units, and 109 more in reserve. Since 2012, 30 aircraft have been modernized to the level of Tu-22 M3 M.

The long-range aviation also includes Il-78 tanker aircraft and Tu-22 MR reconnaissance aircraft.

Tu-160

Work on a new multi-mode strategic intercontinental bomber began in the USSR in 1967. Having tried a variety of layout options, the designers eventually came to the design of an integral low-wing with a variable sweep wing with four engines installed in pairs in nacelles under the fuselage.

In 1984, the Tu-160 was put into serial production at the Kazan Aviation Plant. At the time of the collapse of the USSR, 35 aircraft were produced (of which 8 prototypes), by 1994, KAPO transferred six more Tu-160 bombers to the Russian Air Force, which were stationed near Engels in the Saratov region. In 2009, 3 new aircraft were built and put into operation, by 2015 their number is 16 units.

In 2002, the Ministry of Defense signed an agreement with KAPO for the modernization of the Tu-160 in order to gradually repair and modernize all bombers of this type in service. According to the latest data, by 2020, the Russian Air Force will be armed with 10 Tu-160 M aircraft. conventional bomb armament. In view of the need to replenish the long-range aircraft fleet in April 2015, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu instructed to consider the issue of resuming production of the Tu-160 M. In May of the same year, Supreme Commander-in-Chief V.V. Putin formally ordered to resume production of the improved Tu-160 M2.

Main characteristics of Tu-160

4 people

Wingspan

Wing area

Empty weight

Normal takeoff weight

Maximum takeoff weight

Engines

4 × TRDDF NK-32

Maximum thrust

4 × 18,000 kgf

Afterburner thrust

4 × 25,000 kgf

2230 km / h (M = 1.87)

Cruising speed

917 km / h (M = 0.77)

Maximum range without refueling

Range with a combat load

Combat radius

Flight duration

Practical ceiling

about 22000 m

Rate of climb

Takeoff / run length

Armament:

Strategic cruise missiles X-55 SM / X-101

Tactical aeroballistic missiles X-15 S

Free-fall aerial bombs of caliber up to 4000 kg, cluster bombs, mines.

Tu-95MS

The creation of the aircraft was started by the design bureau headed by Andrey Tupolev in the distant 1950s. At the end of 1951, the developed project was approved, and then the layout, built by that time, was approved and approved. The construction of the first two aircraft began at the Moscow Aviation Plant No. 156, and in the fall of 1952 the prototype made its first flight.

In 1956, the aircraft, which received the official designation Tu-95, began to arrive in long-range aviation units. Later, various modifications were developed, including carriers of anti-ship missiles.

In the late 1970s, a completely new modification of the bomber was created, which received the designation Tu-95 MS. The new aircraft was put into serial production in 1981 at the Kuibyshev aircraft plant, which lasted until 1992 (about 100 aircraft were produced).

Now the 37th Air Force of Strategic Aviation has been formed as part of the Air Force of the Russian Federation, consisting of two divisions, which includes two regiments on the Tu-95 MS-16 (Amur and Saratov Regions) - 38 aircraft in total. About 60 more units are in storage.

Due to the obsolescence of technology, in 2013, the modernization of aircraft in service began to the level of Tu-95 MSM, the service life of which will last until 2025. They will be equipped with new electronics, an aiming and navigation system, a satellite navigation system, and will be able to carry new X-101 strategic cruise missiles.

Main characteristics of Tu-95MS

7 persons

Wingspan:

Wing area

Empty weight

Normal takeoff weight

Maximum takeoff weight

Engines

4 × TVD NK-12 MP

Power

4 × 15,000 liters. with.

Maximum speed at altitude

Cruising speed

about 700 km / h

Maximum range

Practical range

Combat radius

Practical ceiling

about 11000 m

Takeoff / run length

Armament:

Built-in

Strategic cruise missiles X-55 SM / X-101-6 or 16

Free-fall aerial bombs of caliber up to 9000 kg,

cluster bombs, mines.

Tu-22M3

The Tu-22 M3 long-range supersonic bomber-bomber with variable wing geometry is designed to conduct combat operations in operational zones of land and naval theaters of operations day and night in simple and difficult weather conditions. It is capable of striking sea targets with X-22 cruise missiles, X-15 supersonic aeroballistic missiles against ground targets, as well as aimed bombing. In the west, it was named "Backfire".

In total, 268 Tu-22 M3 bombers were built at the Kazan Aviation Production Association until 1993.

Currently, there are about 40 Tu-22 M3 units in service, and another 109 are in reserve. It is planned by 2020 to modernize about 30 vehicles at KAPO to the level of Tu-22 M3 M (the modification was put into service in 2014). They will be equipped with new electronics, expand the range of weapons by introducing the latest high-precision ammunition, and extend the service life up to 40 years.

Main characteristics of Tu-22M3

4 people

Wingspan:

At minimum sweep angle

At maximum sweep angle

Wing area

Empty weight

Normal takeoff weight

Maximum takeoff weight

Engines

2 × TRDDF NK-25

Maximum thrust

2 × 14,500 kgf

Afterburner thrust

2 × 25,000 kgf

Maximum speed at altitude

Cruising speed

Range of flight

Combat radius with a load of 12 t

1500 ... 2400 km

Practical ceiling

Takeoff / run length

Armament:

Built-in

23-mm defensive mount with GSh-23 cannons

X-22 anti-ship cruise missiles

Tactical aeroballistic missiles X-15 S.

Promising developments

PAK YES

In 2008, R&D funding was opened in Russia to create a promising long-range aviation complex PAK DA. The program provides for the development of a fifth-generation long-range bomber to replace the aircraft in service with the Russian Air Force. The fact that the Russian Air Force formulated the tactical and technical requirements for the PAK DA program and began preparations for the participation of design bureaus in the development competition was announced back in 2007. According to the statement of the general director of OJSC "Tupolev" I. Shevchuk, the contract under the PAK DA program was won by the Tupolev Design Bureau. In 2011, it was reported that a preliminary design was developed for the integration complex of the avionics of a promising complex, and the command of long-range aviation of the Russian Air Force issued a tactical and technical assignment for the creation of a promising bomber. It was announced plans to build 100 vehicles, which are expected to enter service by 2027.

Most likely, the weapons will be used promising hypersonic missiles, long-range cruise missiles of the Kh-101 type, high-precision short-range missiles and corrected aerial bombs, as well as free-fall bombs. It was stated that some of the missile samples have already been developed by the Tactical Missile Armament Corporation. It is possible that the aircraft will also be used as an air carrier for an operational-strategic reconnaissance and strike complex. It is possible that for self-defense, in addition to the electronic warfare system, the bomber will be armed with air-to-air missiles.

Operational-tactical (front-line) aviation

Operational-tactical (front-line) aviation is designed to solve operational, operational-tactical and tactical tasks in operations (combat operations) of groupings of troops (forces) in theaters of operations (strategic directions).

Bomber aviation, which is part of front-line aviation, is the main strike weapon of the Air Force, mainly in the operational and operational-tactical depth.

Assault aviation is intended primarily for air support of troops, destruction of manpower and objects, mainly at the front line, in the tactical and immediate operational depths of the enemy. In addition, it can also fight enemy aircraft in the air.

The main promising directions for the development of bombers and attack aircraft of operational-tactical aviation are maintaining and building up capabilities within the framework of solving operational, operational-tactical and tactical tasks during military operations in theater of operations through the supply of new (Su-34) and modernization of existing (Su-25 SM ) aircraft.

Frontline aviation bombers and attack aircraft are armed with air-to-surface and air-to-air missiles, unguided missiles of various types, aircraft bombs, including guided bombs, cluster bombs, and aircraft cannons.

Fighter aviation is represented by multipurpose and front-line fighters, as well as fighter-interceptors. Its purpose is to destroy enemy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles of the enemy in the air, as well as land and sea targets.

The task of air defense fighter aviation is to cover the most important areas and individual objects from enemy air attacks by destroying their aircraft at maximum ranges using interceptors. The air defense aviation also includes combat helicopters, special and transport aircraft and helicopters.

The main promising directions for the development of fighter aviation are maintaining and building up the capabilities to fulfill the assigned tasks through the modernization of existing aircraft, the purchase of new aircraft (Su-30, Su-35), as well as the creation of the promising PAK-FA aviation complex, which has been tested since 2010. years and, possibly, a promising long-range interceptor.

The main weapons of fighter aircraft are air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles of various ranges, as well as free-fall and corrected aerial bombs, unguided missiles, cluster bombs, and aircraft cannons. The development of promising missile weapons is underway.

The modern aircraft fleet of ground attack and front-line bomber aviation includes the following types of aircraft:

  • Su-25–200 attack aircraft, including Su-25UB, about 100 more are in storage. Despite the fact that these aircraft were put into service back in the USSR, their combat potential, taking into account modernization, remains quite high. By 2020, it is planned to upgrade about 80 attack aircraft to the level of the Su-25 SM.
  • front-line bombers Su-24 M - 21 units. These Soviet-made aircraft are already outdated and are actively being disabled. In 2020, it is planned to dispose of all the Su-24 M.
  • Su-34–69 fighter-bombers. The newest multipurpose aircraft, which are replacing the outdated Su-24 M bombers in the units. The total number of ordered Su-34s is 124 units, which will enter service in the near future.

Su-25

The Su-25 is an armored subsonic attack aircraft designed for close support ground forces over the battlefield. It is capable of destroying point and area targets on the ground day and night under any weather conditions. We can say that this is the best aircraft of its class in the world, tested in real combat operations. In the army, the Su-25 received the unofficial nickname "Rook", in the west - the designation "Frogfoot".

Serial production was carried out at aircraft factories in Tbilisi and Ulan-Ude (for the entire time, 1320 aircraft of all modifications were produced, including for export).

The vehicles were produced in various modifications, including the combat trainer Su-25UB and the carrier-based Su-25UTD for the Navy. Currently, the Russian Air Force has about 200 Su-25 aircraft of various modifications, which are in service with 6 combat and several training air regiments. About 100 more units of old cars are in storage.

In 2009, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the resumption of purchases of Su-25 attack aircraft for the Air Force. At the same time, a program was adopted to modernize 80 aircraft to the level of the Su-25 SM. They are equipped with the latest electronics, including a sighting system, multifunctional indicators, new electronic warfare equipment, and the "Spear" suspended radar. A new Su-25UBM aircraft was adopted as a combat training aircraft, which will have equipment similar to the Su-25 SM.

Main characteristics of the Su-25

1 person

Wingspan

Wing area

Empty weight

Normal takeoff weight

Maximum takeoff weight

Engines

2 × turbojet engine R ‑ 95SH

Maximum thrust

2 × 4100 kgf

Maximum speed

Cruising speed

Practical range with combat load

Ferry range

Practical ceiling

Rate of climb

Takeoff / run length

Armament:

Built-in

30-mm double-barreled cannon GSh-30-2 (250 patr.)

External sling

Guided missiles "air-to-surface" - X-25 ML, X-25 MLP, S-25 L, X-29 L

Air bombs, cassettes - FAB-500, RBK-500, FAB-250, RBK-250, FAB-100, KMGU-2 containers

Shooting cannon containers - SPPU-22-1 (23-mm GSh-23 cannon)

Su-24M

The Su-24 M front-line bomber with a variable sweep wing is designed to deliver missile and bomb strikes in the operational and operational-tactical depth of the enemy day and night in simple and difficult weather conditions, including at low altitudes, with targeted destruction of ground and surface targets, guided and unguided ammunition. In the west received the designation "Fencer"

Serial production was carried out at NAPO named after Chkalov in Novosibirsk (with the participation of KNAAPO) until 1993, about 1200 machines of various modifications were built, including for export.

At the turn of the century, due to the obsolescence of aviation technology in Russia, a program was launched to modernize front-line bombers to the level of the Su-24 M2. In 2007, the first two Su-24 M2s were transferred to the Lipetsk Combat Use Center. The delivery of the remaining aircraft to the Russian Air Force was completed in 2009.

At present, the Russian Air Force has 21 Su-24 M aircraft of several modifications, but as the newest Su-34s enter combat units, the Su-24s are removed from service and disposed of (103 aircraft were disposed of by 2015). By 2020, they should be completely withdrawn from the Air Force.

Main characteristics of the Su-24M

2 persons

Wingspan

At maximum sweep angle

At minimum sweep angle

Wing area

Empty weight

Normal takeoff weight

Maximum takeoff weight

Engines

2 × TRDDF AL ‑ 21 F ‑ 3

Maximum thrust

2 × 7800 kgf

Afterburner thrust

2 × 11200 kgf

Maximum speed at altitude

1700 km / h (M = 1.35)

Maximum speed at 200 m

Ferry range

Combat radius

Practical ceiling

about 11500 m

Takeoff / run length

Armament:

Built-in

23-mm 6-barreled cannon GSh-6-23 (500 patr.)

On external sling:

Guided air-to-air missiles - R-60

Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh-25 ML / MR, Kh-23, Kh-29 L / T, Kh-59, S-25 L, Kh-58

Unguided missiles - 57 ‑ mm S ‑ 5, 80 ‑ mm S ‑ 8, 122 ‑ mm S ‑ 13, 240 ‑ mm S ‑ 24, 266 ‑ mm S ‑ 25

Air bombs, cassettes - FAB-1500, KAB-1500 L / TK, KAB-500 L / KR, ZB-500, FAB-500, RBK-500, FAB-250, RBK-250, OFAB-100, KMGU-2 containers

Shooting cannon containers - SPPU-6 (23-mm gun GSh-6-23)

Su-34

The Su-34 multifunctional fighter-bomber is the newest aircraft of this class in the Russian Air Force and belongs to the “4+” generation of aircraft. At the same time, it is positioned as a front-line bomber, since it must replace the outdated Su-24 M aircraft in the troops. It is intended for delivering high-precision missile and bomb strikes, including the use of nuclear weapons, against ground (surface) targets at any time of the day in any weather conditions. ... In the west it is designated "Fullback".

By mid-2015, 69 Su-34 aircraft (including 8 prototypes) out of 124 ordered were delivered to combat units.

In the future, the Russian Air Force plans to deliver about 150-200 new aircraft and by 2020 completely replace the outdated Su-24 with them. Thus, now the Su-34 is the main strike aircraft of our Air Force, capable of using the entire range of high-precision air-to-surface weapons.

Main characteristics of the Su-34

2 persons

Wingspan

Wing area

Empty weight

Normal takeoff weight

Maximum takeoff weight

Engines

2 × TRDDF AL ‑ 31 F ‑ M1

Maximum thrust

2 × 8250 kgf

Afterburner thrust

2 × 13500 kgf

Maximum speed at altitude

1900 km / h (M = 1.8)

Maximum speed at the ground

Ferry range

Combat radius

Practical ceiling

Armament:

Built-in - 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon

External sling - all types of modern guided air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, unguided missiles, aerial bombs, cluster bombs

The modern aircraft fleet of fighter aircraft consists of the following types of aircraft:

  • front-line fighters MiG-29 of various modifications - 184 units. In addition to the MiG-29 S, MiG-29 M and MiG-29UB modifications, the latest versions of the MiG-29 SMT and MiG-29UBT (28 and 6 units as of 2013) were adopted. At the same time, the aircraft of the old construction are not planned to be modernized. On the basis of the MiG-29, a promising multipurpose fighter MiG-35 was created, but the signing of a contract for its production was postponed in favor of the MiG-29 SMT.
  • front-line fighters Su-27 of various modifications - 360 units, including 52 Su-27UB. Since 2010, re-equipment has been under way for new modifications of the Su-27 SM and Su-27 SM3, of which 82 units have been delivered.
  • front-line fighters Su-35 S - 34 units. According to the contract, it is planned to complete the delivery of a series of 48 aircraft of this type by 2015.
  • multipurpose fighters Su-30 of various modifications - 51 units, including 16 Su-30 M2 and 32 Su-30 SM. At the same time, the delivery of the second series of the Su-30 SM is currently underway; by 2016, 30 units are to be delivered.
  • MiG-31 interceptor fighters of several modifications - 252 units. It is known that since 2014, the MiG-31 BS aircraft have been upgraded to the level of the MiG-31 BSM, another 60 MiG-31 B aircraft are planned to be upgraded to the MiG-31 BM by 2020.

MiG-29

The MiG-29, a light front-line fighter of the fourth generation, was developed back in the USSR and has been in series production since 1983. In fact, he was one of the best fighters of its class in the world and, having a very successful design, was repeatedly modernized and, in the form of the latest modifications as part of the Russian Air Force, entered the 21st century as a multipurpose one. Originally intended for air superiority at tactical depth. In the west it is known as "Fulcrum".

By the time of the collapse of the USSR, about 1400 cars of various variants were produced at factories in Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod. Now the MiG-29 is in different options is in service with the armies of more than two dozen countries of the near and far abroad, where he managed to take part in local wars and armed conflicts.

Now in service with the Russian Air Force are 184 MiG-29 fighters of the following modifications:

  • MiG-29 S - had an increased combat load in comparison with the MiG-29, was equipped with new weapons;
  • MiG-29 M - multipurpose fighter of the “4+” generation, had an increased range and combat load, was equipped with new weapons;
  • MiG-29UB - double combat training version without radar;
  • The MiG-29 SMT is the latest modernized version with the ability to use high-precision air-to-surface weapons, increased flight range, the latest electronics (first flight in 1997, adopted in 2004, 28 units delivered by 2013), weapons are placed on six underwing and one ventral external sling units, there is a built-in 30-mm cannon;
  • MiG-29UBT - combat training version of the MiG-29 SMT (6 units delivered).

For the most part, all the old MiG-29 aircraft were physically outdated and it was decided not to repair or modernize them, but to purchase new equipment instead - the MiG-29 SMT (in 2014 a contract was signed for the supply of 16 aircraft) and the MiG-29UBT, and also promising MiG-35 fighters.

Main characteristics of the MiG-29 SMT

1 person

Wingspan

Wing area

Empty weight

Normal takeoff weight

Maximum takeoff weight

Engines

2 × TRDDF RD-33

Maximum thrust

2 × 5040 kgf

Afterburner thrust

2 × 8300 kgf

Maximum speed at the ground

Cruising speed

Practical range

Practical range with PTB

2800 ... 3500 km

Practical ceiling

Armament:

On external sling:

Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh ‑ 29 L / T, Kh ‑ 31 A / P, Kh ‑ 35

Containers KMGU-2

MiG-35

The new Russian 4 ++ generation MiG-35 multipurpose fighter is a deep modernization of the MiG-29 M series aircraft developed by the MiG Design Bureau. By design, it is maximally unified with aircraft of early release, but at the same time it has an increased combat load and flight range, reduced radar signature, is equipped with a radar with an active phased antenna array, the latest electronics, an electronic warfare system, has an open architecture of avionics, the ability to refuel in the air. The two-seater modification has the designation MiG-35 D.

The MiG-35 is designed to gain air superiority and intercept enemy air attack weapons, deliver precision weapons strikes against ground (surface) targets without entering the air defense zone day and night in any weather conditions, and conduct aerial reconnaissance using airborne weapons.

The issue of equipping the Russian Air Force with MiG-35 aircraft remains open until a contract with the Ministry of Defense is signed.

Main characteristics of the MiG-35

1 - 2 people

Wingspan

Wing area

Empty weight

Normal takeoff weight

Maximum takeoff weight

Engines

2 × TRDDF RD-33 MK / MKV

Maximum thrust

2 × 5400 kgf

Afterburner thrust

2 × 9000 kgf

Maximum speed at high altitude

2400 km / h (M = 2.25)

Maximum speed at the ground

Cruising speed

Practical range

Practical range with PTB

Combat radius

Flight duration

Practical ceiling

Rate of climb

Armament:

Built-in - 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon (150 rounds)

On external sling:

Guided air-to-air missiles - R ‑ 73, R ‑ 27 R / T, R ‑ 27ET / ER, R ‑ 77

Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh ‑ 25 ML / MR, Kh ‑ 29 L / T, Kh ‑ 31 A / P, Kh ‑ 35

Unguided missiles - 80 ‑ mm S ‑ 8, 122 ‑ mm S ‑ 13, 240 ‑ mm S ‑ 24

Air bombs, cassettes - FAB-500, KAB-500 L / KR, ZB-500, FAB-250, RBK-250, OFAB-100

Su-27

The Su-27 front-line fighter is a fourth-generation aircraft developed in the USSR at the Sukhoi Design Bureau in the early 1980s. Intended for air superiority and was at one time one of the best fighters in its class. The latest modifications of the Su-27 continue to be in service with the Russian Air Force, in addition, as a result of the deep modernization of the Su-27, new models of the 4+ generation fighters have been developed. Along with the fourth-generation light front-line fighter, the MiG-29 was one of the world's best aircraft of its class. According to the western classification, it is called "Flanker".

Currently, the Air Force combat units include 226 Su-27 and 52 Su-27UB fighters of the old production. Since 2010, rearmament has begun on an upgraded version of the Su-27 SM (first flight in 2002). Now 70 of these machines have been delivered to the troops. In addition, fighters of the Su ‑ 27 CM3 modification (12 units produced) are supplied, which differ from the previous version in the AL ‑ 31 F ‑ M1 engines (thrust at afterburner 13,500 kgf), a reinforced airframe structure and additional weapons suspension points.

Main characteristics of the Su-27 SM

1 person

Wingspan

Wing area

Empty weight

Normal takeoff weight

Maximum takeoff weight

Engines

2 × TRDDF AL-31F

Maximum thrust

2 × 7600 kgf

Afterburner thrust

2 × 12500 kgf

Maximum speed at high altitude

2500 km / h (M = 2.35)

Maximum speed at the ground

Practical range

Practical ceiling

Rate of climb

more than 330 m / s

Takeoff / run length

Armament:

Built-in - 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon (150 rounds)

Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh ‑ 29 L / T, Kh ‑ 31 A / P, Kh ‑ 59

Air bombs, cassettes - FAB-500, KAB-500 L / KR, ZB-500, FAB-250, RBK-250, OFAB-100

Su-30

The Su-30 heavy two-seat multipurpose fighter of the 4+ generation was created at the Sukhoi Design Bureau on the basis of the Su-27UB combat trainer by way of deep modernization. The main purpose is to control group combat actions of fighters when solving the tasks of gaining air superiority, supporting combat operations of other types of aviation, covering ground troops and objects, destroying airborne assault forces, as well as conducting aerial reconnaissance and destroying ground (surface) targets. The Su-30 features a long range and duration of flights and effective control of a group of fighters. The western designation of the aircraft is "Flanker-C".

The Russian Air Force currently includes 3 Su-30, 16 Su-30 M2 (all manufactured by KNAAPO) and 32 Su-30 SM (manufactured by the Irkut plant). The last two modifications are delivered in accordance with contracts from 2012, when two batches of 30 Su-30 SM units (until 2016) and 16 Su-30 M2 units were ordered.

Main characteristics of the Su-30 SM

2 persons

Wingspan

Wing area

Empty weight

Normal takeoff weight

Maximum takeoff weight

Takeoff weight limit

Engines

2 × TRDDF AL-31FP

Maximum thrust

2 × 7700 kgf

Afterburner thrust

2 × 12500 kgf

Maximum speed at high altitude

2125 km / h (M = 2)

Maximum speed at the ground

Flight range without refueling at the ground

Flight range without refueling at altitude

Combat radius

Flight duration without refueling

Practical ceiling

Rate of climb

Takeoff / run length

Armament:

Built-in - 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon (150 rounds)

External sling: Guided air-to-air missiles - R ‑ 73, R ‑ 27 R / T, R ‑ 27ET / ER, R ‑ 77

Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh ‑ 29 L / T, Kh ‑ 31 A / P, Kh ‑ 59 M

Unguided rockets - 80 ‑ mm S ‑ 8, 122 ‑ mm S ‑ 13

Air bombs, cassettes - FAB-500, KAB-500 L / KR, FAB-250, RBK-250, KMGU

Su-35

The Su-35 multipurpose super-maneuverable fighter belongs to the “4 ++” generation and is equipped with engines with thrust vector control. Developed at the Sukhoi Design Bureau, this aircraft is very close in its characteristics to fifth-generation fighters. The Su-35 is designed to gain air superiority and intercept enemy air attack weapons, deliver precision weapons strikes against ground (surface) targets without entering the air defense zone day and night in any weather

conditions, as well as conducting aerial reconnaissance using airborne means. In the west it has the designation "Flanker-E +".

In 2009, a contract was signed to supply the Russian Air Force with 48 of the latest production Su-35C fighters in the period 2012–2015, of which 34 units are already in the army. It is planned to conclude another contract for the supply of these aircraft in 2015–2020.

Main characteristics of the Su-35

1 person

Wingspan

Wing area

Empty weight

Normal takeoff weight

Maximum takeoff weight

Engines

2 × TRDDF with OVT AL-41F1S

Maximum thrust

2 × 8800 kgf

Afterburner thrust

2 × 14500 kgf

Maximum speed at high altitude

2500 km / h (M = 2.25)

Maximum speed at the ground

Flight range near the ground

Flight range at altitude

3600 ... 4500 km

Practical ceiling

Rate of climb

Takeoff / run length

Armament:

Built-in - 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon (150 rounds)

On external sling:

Guided air-to-air missiles - R ‑ 73, R ‑ 27 R / T, R ‑ 27ET / ER, R ‑ 77

Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh ‑ 29 T / L, Kh ‑ 31 A / P, Kh ‑ 59 M,

promising long-range missiles

Unguided missiles - 80 ‑ mm S ‑ 8, 122 ‑ mm S ‑ 13, 266 ‑ mm S ‑ 25

Air bombs, cassettes - KAB-500 L / KR, FAB-500, FAB-250, RBK-250, KMGU

MiG-31

The two-seat supersonic all-weather long-range fighter-interceptor MiG-31 was developed in the USSR at the Mikoyan Design Bureau in the 1970s. At the time, it was the first fourth generation aircraft. It was intended to intercept and destroy air targets at all altitudes - from extremely low to the highest, day and night, in any weather conditions, in a difficult jamming environment. In fact, the main task of the MiG-31 was to intercept cruise missiles in the entire range of altitudes and speeds, as well as low-flying satellites. The fastest combat aircraft. The modern MiG-31 BM has an on-board radar with unique characteristics that are not yet available to other foreign aircraft. According to Western classification, it has the designation "Foxhound".

The MiG-31 interceptor fighters (252 units) currently in service with the Russian Air Force have several modifications:

  • MiG-31 B - serial modification with an air refueling system (adopted for service in 1990)
  • The MiG-31 BS is a variant of the base MiG-31, upgraded to the level of the MiG-31 B, but without a refueling rod in the air.
  • The MiG-31 BM is a modernized version with the Zaslon-M radar (developed in 1998), with a range increased to 320 km, equipped with the latest electronic systems, including satellite navigation, and capable of using guided air-to-surface missiles. By 2020, it is planned to upgrade 60 MiG-31 B to the level of the MiG-31 BM. The second stage of state tests of the aircraft was completed in 2012.
  • The MiG-31 BSM is a modernized version of the MiG-31 BS with the Zaslon-M radar and the corresponding electronics. The modernization of combat aircraft has been underway since 2014.

Thus, the Russian Air Force will have 60 MiG-31 BM and 30-40 MiG-31 BSM aircraft in service, and approximately 150 old-production aircraft will be decommissioned. It is possible that in the future there will be a new interceptor known under the code name MiG-41.

Main characteristics of the MiG-31 BM

2 persons

Wingspan

Wing area

Empty weight

Maximum takeoff weight

Engines

2 × TRDDF D-30 F6

Maximum thrust

2 × 9500 kgf

Afterburner thrust

2 × 15500 kgf

Maximum speed at high altitude

3000 km / h (M = 2.82)

Maximum speed at the ground

Subsonic cruising speed

Cruising speed supersonic

Practical range

1450 ... 3000 km

Flight range at high altitude with one refueling

Combat radius

Practical ceiling

Rate of climb

Takeoff / run length

Armament:

Built in:

23-mm 6-barreled gun GSh-23-6 (260 patr.)

On external sling:

Guided air-to-air missiles - R ‑ 60 M, R ‑ 73, R ‑ 77, R ‑ 40, R ‑ 33 S, R ‑ 37

Guided air-to-surface missiles - Kh ‑ 25 MPU, Kh ‑ 29 T / L, Kh ‑ 31 A / P, Kh ‑ 59 M

Air bombs, cassettes - KAB-500 L / KR, FAB-500, FAB-250, RBK-250

Promising developments

PAK-FA

The promising front-line aviation complex - PAK FA - includes a fifth-generation multipurpose fighter being developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau under the designation T-50. In terms of the totality of characteristics, it will have to surpass all foreign counterparts and in the near future, after being put into service, will become the main aircraft of the fighter frontal aviation of the Russian Air Force.

The PAK FA is designed to gain air supremacy and intercept enemy air attack weapons in all altitude ranges, as well as deliver high-precision weapons strikes against ground (surface) targets without entering the air defense zone day and night in any weather conditions, can be used for aerial reconnaissance using onboard facilities. The aircraft fully meets all the requirements for fifth generation fighters: stealth, supersonic cruising speed, high maneuverability with high G-forces, advanced electronics, and versatility.

According to plans, the serial production of the T-50 aircraft for the Russian Air Force should begin in 2016, and by 2020 the first aviation units equipped with it will appear in Russia. It is also known that production for export is also possible. In particular, an export modification is being created together with India, which has received the designation FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft).

Main characteristics (presumptive) PAK-FA

1 person

Wingspan

Wing area

Empty weight

Normal takeoff weight

Maximum takeoff weight

Engines

2 × TRDDF with UVT AL-41F1

Maximum thrust

2 × 8800 kgf

Afterburner thrust

2 × 15000 kgf

Maximum speed at high altitude

Cruising speed

Practical range at subsonic speed

2700 ... 4300 km

Practical range with PTB

Practical range at supersonic speed

1200 ... 2000 km

Flight duration

Practical ceiling

Rate of climb

Armament:

Built-in - 30 mm cannon 9 A1-4071 K (260 pat.)

Internal suspension - all types of modern and advanced guided missiles "air-to-air" and "air-to-surface", aerial bombs, cluster bombs

PAK-DP (MiG-41)

Some sources report that at present, the MiG Design Bureau, together with the Sokol Design Bureau (Nizhny Novgorod), are developing a long-range high-speed interceptor fighter with the code name “a promising long-range intercept aircraft complex” - PAK DP, also known as the MiG-41. It was stated that the development was started in 2013 on the basis of the MiG-31 fighter by order of the chief of staff of the Russian Armed Forces. Perhaps they mean a deep modernization of the MiG-31, the study of which was carried out earlier, but was not implemented. It was also reported that a promising interceptor is planned to be developed as part of the weapons program until 2020 and put into service until 2028.

In 2014, information appeared in the media that the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force V. Bondarev said that now only research work is underway, and from 2017 it is planned to begin development work on the creation of a promising long-range intercept aviation complex.

(continued in the next issue)

Summary table of the quantitative composition of aircraft
Air Force of the Russian Federation (2014–2015) *

Aircraft type

Quantity
in service

Planned
build

Planned
modernize

Bomber aviation as part of long-range aviation

Strategic missile carriers Tu-160

Strategic missile carriers Tu-95MS

Long missile bombers Tu-22M3

Bomber and assault aviation as part of front-line aviation

Su-25 attack aircraft

Front-line bombers Su-24M

Su-34 fighter-bombers

124 (total)

Fighter aircraft as part of front-line aviation

Front-line fighters MiG-29, MiG-29SMT

Front-line fighters Su-27, Su-27SM

Front-line fighters Su-35S

Multipurpose fighters Su-30, Su-30SM

Fighter-interceptors MiG-31, MiG-31BSM

Advanced aviation complex of front-line aviation - PAK FA

Military transport aviation

Transport aircraft An-22

Transport aircraft An-124 and An-124-100

Transport aircraft Il-76M, Il-76MDM, Il-76MD-90A

Transport aircraft An-12

Transport aircraft An-72

Transport aircraft An-26, An-24

Transport and passenger aircraft Il-18, Tu-134, Il-62, Tu-154, An-148, An-140

Il-112V promising military transport aircraft

Il-214 promising military transport aircraft

Army aviation helicopters

Multipurpose helicopters Mi-8M, Mi-8AMTSh, Mi-8AMT, Mi-8MTV

Transport and combat helicopters Mi-24V, Mi-24P, Mi-35

Attack helicopters Mi-28N

Attack helicopters Ka-50

Attack helicopters Ka-52

146 (total)

Transport helicopters Mi-26, Mi-26M

Advanced multipurpose helicopter Mi-38

Reconnaissance and special aviation

Aircraft AWACS A-50, A-50U

Aircraft RER and electronic warfare Il-20M

Reconnaissance aircraft An-30

Reconnaissance aircraft Tu-214R

Reconnaissance aircraft Tu-214ON

IL-80 air command posts

Refueling aircraft Il-78, Il-78M

Advanced aircraft AWACS A-100

Promising aircraft RER and electronic warfare A-90

Il-96-400TZ tanker aircraft

Unmanned aerial vehicles (transferred to the Ground Forces)

"Bee-1T"

Alexey Zakvasin

On December 23, Russia celebrates Long Range Aviation Day, which is one of the components of the nuclear triad. The Russian Aerospace Forces include attack aircraft Tu-95MS, Tu-22M3 and Tu-160. Air cruisers can hit large land targets and enemy ships, including non-nuclear weapons. At present, the long-range aviation of the Russian Federation is at the stage of modernization. Until 2023, Russia should receive 50 Tu-160M2. In the future, the VKS will enter service with the new generation PAK DA vehicles. On the role and importance of long-range aviation in the structure The armed forces RF - in the material RT.

  • Bombers Tu-22M3 Russian Aerospace Forces
  • RIA News

The birthday of long-range aviation (DA) of Russia is considered December 23, since on that day in 1914, Nicholas II signed a decree on the creation of a squadron of aircraft "Ilya Muromets" - the world's first compound of heavy four-engine bombers.

DA began to acquire its modern look during the period cold war... The 1950-1970s were a period of rapid development of Soviet long-range aviation.

The first original strategic jet bomber of the USSR was the Tu-16 "Badger", which made its first flight on April 27, 1952. Six months later, the turboprop Tu-95 "Bear" took off into the sky. In 1969, the USSR acquired the Tu-22 supersonic bomber (NATO codification - Blinder).

The pinnacle of the development of Soviet design thought was (according to NATO codification - Blackjack), which has been in operation since 1987. Currently, the Aerospace Forces are armed with deeply modernized versions of Soviet vehicles: Tu-95MS, Tu-22M3 and Tu-160 (including Tu-160M1). In addition, the DA includes Tu-22MR reconnaissance aircraft and Il-78 tankers.

The data on the number of long-range aircraft possessed by the Russian Aerospace Forces differ greatly. According to domestic media, the Russian air fleet has 30 Tu-95s, 12 Tu-22M3s and 16 Tu-160s. That is a total of 58 cars.

According to the calculations of the International Institute strategic research(IISS), in the composition of the DA of Russia: 62 Tu-22M3, 50 - T-95MS, 11 - Tu-160, five - Tu-160M1 and one Tu-22MR (total 139 vehicles). The Aerospace Forces deployed four Tu-22M3 squadrons, three Tu-95MS squadrons and one Tu-160 squadron.

Alexei Leonkov, commercial director of Arsenal Otechestvo magazine, told RT that IISS analysts are most likely taking into account the aircraft currently in storage. According to him, the most realistic figure is cited by Russian sources, and it does not exceed 60-65 vehicles.

Out of reach

Long-range aviation of Russia is an air component of the Strategic Nuclear Forces (SNF) of the Russian Federation. All DA aircraft in service with the RF Armed Forces are capable of delivering strikes with both nuclear and non-nuclear weapons. The tasks of the DA include the destruction of strategically important objects deep behind enemy lines. In addition, domestic aircraft can hit large surface targets.

On December 22, 2017, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that over the past five years, long-range aviation has performed 178 flights as part of an air patrol. Since the fall of 2015, the Tu-95MS, Tu-22M3 and Tu-160 have been actively used for. Long-range aviation tested both single and group combat missions.

In the operation in the Arab Republic, the White Swans received their baptism of fire. In particular, the Tu-160 was successfully used by the X-101 and X-55 ultra-long-range cruise missiles. Both missiles have their own nuclear versions - X-102 and X-555, respectively.

“Tu-22M3 operates at tactical depth. The radius of its combat action is slightly lower than the Tu-95 and Tu-160. The aircraft has demonstrated its effectiveness in the defeat of well-fortified enemy targets in Afghanistan and Syria. Tu-22M3 is also called the "aircraft carrier killer". This vehicle can successfully destroy large surface forces, ”Leonkov said.

  • Long-range Tu-22M3 bomber inflicts an air strike on terrorist targets in Deir ez-Zor province in Syria
  • RIA News

According to the expert, one should not write off the oldest bomber DA Tu-95MS, which is the only turboprop aircraft in the world capable of speeds over 900 km / h. The upgraded version of the Tu-95 can use the Kh-101/102 strategic air-to-ground cruise missile, the range of which reaches 6-9 thousand km.

Tu-160 has no analogues in the world. The bomber is capable of overcoming enemy air defenses, developing a supersonic speed of 2500 km / h. "White Swan", if necessary, rises to a height of 22 thousand meters, thus being out of the reach of enemy fighters.

“The Tu-160 is a truly incredible machine. It is almost impossible to intercept it. An anti-aircraft missile and the most modern fighter will not be able to follow our plane. For example, the Tu-160 can keep supersonic speed on afterburner for 45 minutes, and the potential "hunter" for it F / A-18 - 10 minutes, "Leonkov said.

Stealth bet

In 2015, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation made a decision to build 50 Tu-160M2 vehicles by 2023. Experts believe that from this moment began the most important stage in the modern history of the Russian Federation in the modernization of long-range aviation. In mid-November 2017, the first Tu-160 in nine years was assembled, named "Vitaly Kopylov".

On December 22, in an interview with Krasnaya Zvezda, the commander of long-range aviation, Lieutenant General Sergei Kobylash, said that the combat effectiveness of the Tu-160M2 would be two and a half times higher than its Soviet predecessor.

  • Tu-160 bomber-missile carrier
  • RIA News

"Economical engines with wider resource capabilities will increase the flight range, which, together with the declared power-to-weight ratio, will keep the Tu-160 strategic missile carrier a leading position among strategic strike systems," Kobylash explained.

The Tu-160M2 will be equipped with improved airborne electronics and weapons control systems. On the modernized White Swan, the concept of a “glass cockpit” (replacement of mechanical indicators with displays) and an “open board” (a simplified scheme for integrating equipment components from different manufacturers) should be implemented.

First of all, the Tu-160M2 are intended to replace the Tu-95MS, which are expected to be removed from service in 2025. "White Swans" will form the backbone of the air component of the Russian strategic nuclear forces before the massive arrival of the PAK DA (Advanced Long-Range Aviation Complex), which is designed to become a universal combat vehicle.

PAK DA will be manufactured according to the "flying wing" design. It was originally planned that the promising aircraft would be supersonic. However, in 2016, the media reported that the Ministry of Defense stopped at the subsonic version. The main requirements of the PAK DA are to be equipped with all types of strike weapons, including hypersonic ones, and low visibility.

  • Computer image of the possible appearance PAK YES
  • Jozef gatial

The bomber will use the latest technology to reduce radar signature. It is known that radio-absorbing materials will be used in the construction of the aircraft. In this case, all weapons must be placed inside the case. The first PAK DA flight is expected in 2025.

“PAK DA has decided to sacrifice high speeds in favor of improved stealth performance. If it is possible to strike targets from a long distance, high speed from a bomber is not required, but the ability to unnoticed by the enemy to reach the missile launch distance is needed, "Vadim Kozyulin, professor of the Academy of Military Sciences, explained the situation in an interview with RT.

According to the expert, in the future, all long-range bombers will be included in the general intelligence and information field of inter-troop interaction. Taking into account the development of delivery systems and destruction of the aviation component of the strategic nuclear forces, the country's celestial nuclear shield can be considered a reliable deterrent factor for potential external aggressors, Kozyulin summed up.

The Supreme High Command uses it to solve operational and strategic tasks in intercontinental and naval military conflicts.

The history of the creation of long-range aviation in the Russian Federation

The history of long-range aviation in Russia dates back to December 23, 1914, when Emperor Nicholas II issued a decree on the creation of the world's first squadron of four-engine aircraft, called "Ilya Muromets". It was the world's first attempt at combining heavy bombers. The squadron commander was M.V.Shidlovsky, who came to the aviation from the naval department. At that time, he was the current chairman of the Russian-Baltic Carriage Works, where the Ilya Muromets aircrafts were produced.

During the First World War, these long-range aviation aircraft of Russia performed more than 400 combat missions, including the bombing of important strategic enemy targets and reconnaissance of the location of ground strike forces. In 1917, the squadron consisted of four military units and consisted of more than twenty vehicles. During the entire period of the military operations, only one aircraft was lost.

Development of long-range aviation in the USSR

In September 1917, the bomber squadron was destroyed. The planes were simply burned so that they would not fall into the hands of the enemy. Long-range aviation of Russia began to revive after October revolution... On March 22, 1918, a decree of the Council of People's Commissars was issued, which spoke about the creation of the Northern group of air liners "Ilya Muromets" of 3 combat units.

The next qualitative stage in the development of this direction of aviation fell on the thirties of the twentieth century. During this period, the young Russian army was armed with the latest aircraft of aircraft designers Tupolev and Ilyushin. From the first days of the Second World War, long-range aviation of Russia successfully performed combat missions deep behind enemy lines, which made an invaluable contribution to great victory over the enemy.

V post-war years the development of strategic aeronautics has entered a new stage. Modern aircraft "Tu" and "Il", which now form the basis of the fleet of modern long-range aviation of the Russian Federation, began to enter service.

"Ilya Muromets" - the world's first strategic bomber

The world's first strategic bomber was designed with the participation of an outstanding aircraft manufacturer. The place of production of Ilya Muromets is the Russian-Baltic Carriage Works. The first time it took to the skies on December 10, 1913. Until 1918, the aircraft was mass-produced in various modifications. During the First World War on December 23, 1914, the Ilya Muromets aircraft were brought together into a single squadron - the world's first formation of combat aircraft. That is why on December 23, Russia celebrates the day of distant Russia.

Aircraft "Ilya Muromets" were used as bombers, attack aircraft or reconnaissance aircraft. Bomb shells could be placed both inside and outside, vertically along the fuselage. For the first time, an electronic trigger was developed and used to drop shells, and eight machine guns were installed for defense against enemy aircraft. At the end of the Civil War, the surviving aircraft were used to organize postal and passenger traffic on the Moscow - Oryol - Kharkov route. Aircraft "Ilya Muromets" could reach a maximum speed of 130 km / h. Their high-altitude ceiling reached 3200 m, the flight range was up to 560 km, and the maximum travel time was about 4.4 hours.

Airplane "TB-3" - the first long-range bomber of the USSR

Development of the first long-range bomber in the USSR began in 1925. Already in 1930, his prototype, which had the secret marking "ANT-6", took to the skies. The first serial aircraft "TB-3" made its flight in 1932. These aircraft were used as bombers, military transport or landing craft.

Strategic vehicles "TB-3" have proven themselves well during military conflicts in various countries. At the end of the 1930s, due to the development of air defense and fighter aircraft, the machines became obsolete, and in 1938 their serial production ceased. Despite this, the strategic aircraft "TB-3" carried out combat missions during the Second World War.

During the entire production period, more than 800 liners of various modifications were produced. Such a machine had improved technical characteristics: its maximum speed reached 380 km / h, the flight altitude could be up to 7000 m with its range of about 3 thousand km. The TB-3 aircraft was capable of holding up to 2 tons of bomb charges.

"IL-4" - the basis of long-range aviation during the Great Patriotic War

The long-range bomber, codenamed TsKB-26, began to be developed at the SV Ilyushin Design Bureau in the early 1930s. The first prototype took off in 1935. It was made of a one-piece metal structure with cantilevered duralumin fenders. The fuselage had a streamlined shape and had an oval cross-section. The flight range of the prototype was up to 3 thousand km. The crew of the vehicle consisted of three pilots, and its defensive armament was represented by three machine guns. Demonstration of the sample took place in 1936, and mass production was mastered in 1938. Such machines received new engines that allow them to reach speeds of up to 445 km / h. The bomb load was 2.5 tons, and the defensive properties of the aircraft were also improved. Long-range aircraft of Russia "IL-4" in terms of speed and range were the best in the world at the time.

Also for the Air Force of the Navy, on the basis of such a machine, the DB-3T torpedo bomber was created, designed to destroy sea targets and mine fairways. The DB-3T aircraft became the first mass Russian model that could perform certain functions in the water area.

During the Second World War, the Il-4 aircraft became the basis of Russian long-range aviation, carrying out raids on the deep rear of the enemy, military echelons of equipment and airfields. Over the entire production period, more than 7 thousand different modifications of such a legendary bomber were produced.

Tu-4 - Russia's first airborne nuclear weapon

Immediately after the end of the Second World War, the long-range aviation of Russia was left without the necessary machines. By that time, the IL-4 twin-engine aircrafts had developed their technological resource of capabilities. The question of creating a strategic bomber of a new type has become topical. Such an aircraft was the Tu-4, a piston engine that was an adapted copy of the American B-29 combat aircraft.

This bomber first took to the skies in 1947, and began to enter aviation in 1949. Mastering the production of such a machine presented the country with a modern aircraft of a new type and made the USSR a leader in strategic aviation. "Tu-4" had a maximum speed of 558 km / h, its flight altitude was up to 11,200 m with a range of up to 6200 m. Such a machine was armed in a new way. Over 11 tons of combat load could be taken on board by this aircraft of the Russian Air Force. Long-range aviation was replenished with a unique representative capable of carrying RDS-3 nuclear weapons on board.

"Tu-16" - the first jet aircraft of long-range aviation of the Russian Federation

The Tu-16 is the first strategic long-range aviation aircraft in Russia to have a jet engine. The purpose of this machine is to solve various strategic tasks. The engineers of the Tupolev design bureau began to work on the creation of the aircraft in 1950, and already on April 27, 1952, the first prototype took to the skies. At the end of the year, this aircraft was launched into serial production. Tu-16 aircraft first entered the strategic aviation ranks in 1954.

The design of this aircraft was distinguished by the presence of a swept mid-wing and tail of the same shape. The fuselage of the aircraft consisted of five compartments and had a circular cross-section. The bomber's cockpit was characterized by increased tightness, was divided into two compartments and reinforced with armored glass and protective plates. The aircraft's crew consisted of six pilots. The main engines of the car were two turbojet installations of various modifications. The bomber could carry up to 9 tons of bombs, which were housed in one compartment. Also, "Tu-16" could be armed with two guided cruise missiles "KS-1".

The Tu-16 model turned out to be so successful that on its basis the production of Tu-16R reconnaissance aircraft, Tu-163 refueling airliners and the first in Russia Tu-16K-10 aviation missile system began to be produced. Also, this bomber became the prototype for the Tu-104 jet passenger airliner, which began production in 1964. The first strategic jet aircraft in Russia "Tu-16" is rightfully considered a long-liver of domestic and foreign aviation. It was decommissioned only in 1994.

"Tu-95MS" - the basis of long-range aviation in the Russian Federation

Tu-95MS is a strategic aircraft of the Russian long-range aviation, designed to deliver a missile and bomb strike against stationary targets at any time of the day, regardless of weather conditions. Work on the design of the basic model of the Tu-95 ship began in the early 1950s. In 1956, the first production vehicles entered service with long-range aviation.

In connection with the rapid re-equipment of the strategic aeronautics of the United States, the Russian government decided to create the latest aircraft that could compete with American aviation. In 1981, the upgraded Tu-95MS aircraft was added to the ranks of long-range aviation of the Russian Federation.

Today, the main long-range aircraft of the Russian Air Force is a high-wing aircraft with four turboprop engines, which are located on swept-shaped wings. The vessel is equipped with differential gears, with the help of which two paired four-bladed propellers rotate in different directions. The cockpit is located in the forward fuselage and is completely sealed. There is also a galley and toilet.

The missile carrier is equipped with a modern "Obzor" radar installation, an onboard defense system that includes the most modern developments of Russian military engineers, as well as offensive and defensive weapons. At present, the Russian Air Force has 60 Tu-95MS aircraft of various modifications.

"Tu-160" - "White Swan" of Russian long-range aviation

Tu-160 aircraft are modern supersonic missile carriers. Their design is based on modified wing geometry. These representatives of long-range aviation of the Russian Federation can hit important targets of the enemy with nuclear weapons even deep behind enemy lines in continental military conflicts.

Work on the creation of such a combat vehicle began in 1975. Tupolev Design Bureau engineers have designed a supersonic strategic missile carrier. As a result, the Tu-160 was created - a cantilever monoplane with a higher aspect ratio wing, on which there were four power plants. The design of the aircraft made it possible to place all missile and bomb weapons inside in the same compartments. The aircraft's crew consists of four pilots, for whom a pressurized cockpit is provided in the nose of the bomber.

The first test flights began in 1981, and in the late 1980s, production vehicles began to enter service. Today the Tu-160 aircraft has the best flight characteristics in comparison with world analogues. The maximum speed of the car at altitude is up to 2000 km / h, near the ground - 1030 km / h. The practical high-altitude ceiling can reach 16 km, the flight range - up to 13,200 m. Today, 15 aircraft are in service with Russian long-range aviation. They are called "White Swan".

In 2014, the country celebrated significant date- 100 years of long-range aviation in Russia. More on this below.

Russian Air Force Long-Range Aviation Day

A festive date for long-range aviation pilots of the Russian Federation is December 23. In 1999, by order of the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force, Anatoly Kornukov, the day of long-range aviation in Russia was determined. The date December 23 was not chosen by chance. It was on this day in 1914 that the first air squadron "Ilya Muromets" was formed.

2014 became a jubilee year - the 100th anniversary of long-range aviation in Russia. In this regard, many celebrations were held. An important event in the celebration of the centenary was the opening of several monuments and monuments dedicated to the main striking force of the Air Force. The Council of Long-Range Aviation Veterans of Russia also took part in this process.

Conclusion

At the moment, long-range aviation of Russia, thanks to its services to the Fatherland, has every right to be called the main striking force of the RF Air Force. This unit is an important strategic reserve of the supreme command. An air detachment that can solve military tasks regardless of geographic location strategic object is precisely the long-range aviation of Russia. 2014 was a jubilee year for this Air Force unit. After all, it was then that the country celebrated the 100th anniversary of the foundation of long-range aviation.

The importance of the air force in modern warfare is enormous, and the conflicts of recent decades clearly confirm this. The Russian Air Force is second only to the American Air Force in the number of aircraft. Russian military aviation has a long and glorious history, until recently the Russian Air Force was a separate type of troops, in August last year the Russian air force became part of the Aerospace Forces of the Russian Federation.

Russia is undoubtedly a great aviation power. except glorious history, our country can boast of a significant technological backlog, which allows it to independently produce military aircraft of any kind.

Today, Russian military aviation is going through a difficult period of its development: its structure is changing, new aviation equipment is being adopted, and generations are changing. However, the events of recent months in Syria have shown that the Russian Air Force can successfully carry out its combat missions in any conditions.

History of the Air Force of the Russian Air Force

The history of Russian military aviation began over a century ago. In 1904, an aerodynamic institute was created in Kuchino; Zhukovsky, one of the creators of aerodynamics, became its head. Within its walls, scientific and theoretical work was carried out aimed at improving aviation technology.

During the same period, the Russian designer Grigorovich worked on the creation of the world's first seaplanes. The first flight schools were opened in the country.

In 1910, the Imperial Air Force was organized, which lasted until 1917.

Russian aviation took an active part in the First World War, although the domestic industry of that time lagged significantly behind other countries participating in this conflict. Most of the combat aircraft that Russian pilots flew at that time were manufactured at foreign factories.

But nevertheless, there were interesting finds among domestic designers. The first multi-engine bomber "Ilya Muromets" (1915) was created in Russia.

The Russian air force was divided into squadrons of 6-7 aircraft. The detachments were united in air groups. The army and the navy had their own aviation.

At the beginning of the war, aircraft were used for reconnaissance or adjusting artillery fire, but very quickly they began to be used to bomb the enemy. Soon fighters appeared, and air battles began.

Russian pilot Nesterov made the first air ram, and a little earlier he performed the famous "loop".

The Imperial Air Force was disbanded after the Bolsheviks came to power. Many pilots took part in the civil war on different sides of the conflict.

In 1918, the new government created its own Air Force, which took part in the civil war. After its completion, the country's leadership paid great attention to the development of military aviation. This allowed the USSR in the 30s, after large-scale industrialization, to return to the club of the world's leading aviation powers.

New aircraft factories were built, design bureaus were created, and flight schools were opened. A whole galaxy of talented aircraft designers appeared in the country: Polyakov, Tupolev, Ilyushin, Petlyakov, Lavochnikov and others.

In the pre-war period, the armed forces received a large number of new types of aviation equipment, which were not inferior to foreign counterparts: fighters MiG-3, Yak-1, LaGG-3, long-range bomber TB-3.

By the beginning of the war, Soviet industry had managed to produce more than 20 thousand military aircraft of various modifications. In the summer of 1941, Soviet factories produced 50 combat vehicles per day, after three months the production of equipment doubled (up to 100 vehicles).

The war for the USSR Air Force began with a series of crushing defeats - a huge number of aircraft were destroyed at border airfields and in air battles. For almost two years, German aviation had air supremacy. Soviet pilots did not have proper experience, their tactics were outdated, like most of the Soviet aviation technology.

The situation began to change only by 1943, when the industry of the USSR mastered the production of modern combat vehicles, and the Germans had to send their best forces to defend Germany from Allied air raids.

By the end of the war, the quantitative superiority of the USSR Air Force had become overwhelming. During the war, more than 27 thousand Soviet pilots died.

July 16, 1997 by the Decree of the President of Russia was formed the new kind troops - the Air Force of the Russian Federation. The new structure included air defense troops and the air force. In 1998, the necessary structural changes were completed, the General Staff of the Russian Air Force was formed, and a new commander-in-chief appeared.

Russian military aviation took part in all conflicts in the North Caucasus, in the Georgian war of 2008, in 2020 Russian aerospace forces were introduced to Syria, where they are at the moment.

From about the middle of the last decade, an active modernization of the Russian air force began.

The modernization of old aircraft is being carried out, new equipment is supplied to the divisions, new ones are being built and old air bases are being restored. The development of the fifth generation T-50 fighter is underway, which is at its final stage.

The salaries of servicemen have been significantly increased, today pilots have the opportunity to spend enough time in the air and hone their skills, exercises have become regular.

In 2008, the reform of the air force started. The Air Force structure was divided into commands, air bases and brigades. Commands were created on a territorial basis and replaced the air defense and air force armies.

The structure of the Air Force of the Russian Air Force

Today, the Russian Air Force is part of the military space forces, the decree on the creation of which was published in August 2020. The leadership of the Russian Aerospace Forces is carried out by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, and the direct command is by the Main Command of the Aerospace Forces. The commander-in-chief of the Russian military space forces is Colonel-General Sergei Surovikin.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air Force is Lieutenant General Yudin, he holds the post of Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces.

In addition to the air force, the aerospace forces include space forces, air defense and missile defense units.

The Russian Air Force includes long-range, military transport and army aviation. In addition, the Air Force includes anti-aircraft, missile and radio-technical troops. The Russian Air Force also has its own special forces that perform many important functions: provide intelligence and communications, are engaged in electronic warfare, rescue operations and protection against weapons of mass destruction. The Air Force also includes meteorological and medical services, engineering units, support units and logistic services.

The basis of the structure of the Russian air force is the brigades, air bases and commands of the RF Air Force.

Four commands are located in St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, Khabarovsk and Novosibirsk. In addition, the RF Air Force includes a separate command that directs long-range and military transport aviation.

As mentioned above, the size of the Russian Air Force is second only to the US Air Force. In 2010, the number of the Russian air force was 148 thousand people, about 3.6 thousand various units of aviation equipment were in operation, and about 1 thousand were in storage.

After the reform of 2008, air regiments turned into air bases, in 2010 there were 60-70 such bases.

The following tasks are assigned to the air force of Russia:

  • repelling enemy aggression in the air and outer space;
  • protection from air strikes of military and state control points, administrative and industrial centers, and other important infrastructure facilities of the state;
  • inflicting defeat on enemy troops using various types of ammunition, including nuclear;
  • intelligence operations;
  • direct support of other types and branches of the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

Military aviation of the Russian Air Force

The Russian Air Force includes strategic and long-range aviation, military transport and army aviation, which, in turn, is divided into fighter, assault, bomber, and reconnaissance aircraft.

Strategic and long-range aviation is part of the Russian nuclear triad and is capable of carrying various types of nuclear weapons.

. These machines were designed and built back in the Soviet Union. The impetus for the creation of this aircraft was the development of the B-1 strategist by the Americans. Today, the Russian Air Force is armed with 16 Tu-160 aircraft. These military aircraft can be armed with cruise missiles and free-fall bombs. Whether the Russian industry will be able to organize the serial production of these machines is an open question.

. This is a turboprop aircraft that made its first flight during Stalin's lifetime. This vehicle has undergone a deep modernization, it can be armed with cruise missiles and free-fall bombs, both with a conventional warhead and with a nuclear one. Currently, the number of operating vehicles is about 30.

. This machine is called a long-range supersonic bomber-bomber. Tu-22M was developed at the end of the 60s of the last century. The aircraft has variable wing geometry. Can carry cruise missiles and nuclear bombs. The total number of combat-ready vehicles is about 50, another 100 are in storage.

The fighter aviation of the Russian Air Force is currently represented by the Su-27, MiG-29, Su-30, Su-35, MiG-31, Su-34 (fighter-bomber) aircraft.

. This machine is the result of a deep modernization of the Su-27, it can be attributed to the 4 ++ generation. The fighter has increased maneuverability and is equipped with advanced electronic equipment. Start of operation of the Su-35 - 2014. The total number of aircraft is 48 aircraft.

. The famous attack aircraft, created in the mid-70s of the last century. One of the world's best aircraft of its class, the Su-25 has participated in dozens of conflicts. Today, there are about 200 Rooks in service, another 100 are in storage. This aircraft is being modernized and will be completed in 2020.

. Front-line bomber with variable wing geometry, designed to overcome enemy air defenses at low altitude and supersonic speed. The Su-24 is a morally obsolete machine, it is planned to write it off by 2020. 111 units remain in service.

. The newest fighter-bomber. Now the Russian Air Force is in service with 75 such aircraft.

The transport aviation of the Russian Air Force is represented by several hundred different aircraft, the vast majority of which were developed back in the USSR: An-22, An-124 Ruslan, Il-86, An-26, An-72, An-140, An-148 and others models.

Training aviation includes: Yak-130, Czech aircraft L-39 Albatros and Tu-134UBL.

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